Jenny Beavan Instagram – Friday July 28th in Liverpool: a much anticipated day as I was made a ‘Companion’ of LIPA, a great honour. The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, founded by Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Mark Featherstone Witty, is truly inspirational in its very exciting – but grounded – approach to preparing students to work in all the theatre and media arts. I know – I have employed LIPA graduates!
The ceremony took place amidst the graduation classes of 2023, and all 9 of us Companions were ‘invested’, giving speeches intended to inspire the graduees (probably not a word!!). I was no.8 so listened to all the terrific speeches in mounting terror and heard everyone else say my best lines! In fact it was fine as I could mention my real claim to fame was my father who played the ‘cello on a Beatles record (Sergeant Pepper) – he was a great believer in education and would have loved LIPA! The little clip shows me meeting Sir Paul, a very proud moment. He congratulated each student and Companion in turn, was kind, interested and totally charming.
Interestingly all the Companions had a common theme which was ‘kindness’ – an essential quality for working in the arts .. and life. A totally memorable day! Thank you to all at LIPA for being so welcoming!
@lipaliverpool | Posted on 31/Jul/2023 17:33:57
